JP7516635B2 - Information terminal and control program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information terminal and a control program for causing a computer to function as the information terminal .

Providing information to encourage purchases to shoppers moving around a store has traditionally been used to promote sales. However, it is difficult to know how the shoppers who receive the information are responding to the provided information.

JP 2015-001879 A JP 2007-128420 A

The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an information terminal that allows a user to obtain only necessary information by making the user aware of the presence or absence of presented information and then allowing the user to select whether or not to obtain the information .

In one embodiment, an information terminal used by a purchaser in a store includes an image acquisition means, an image output means, an information output means , and a registration operation means . The image acquisition means acquires an image. When a promotional product is shown in the image, the image output means outputs a promotional icon superimposed on the image to notify the purchaser that there is information related to the promotional product to be provided to the purchaser. When the information output means detects an input from the purchaser who has confirmed the promotional icon to receive information related to the promotional product, it outputs the information related to the promotional product . The registration operation means accepts an operation to register a product to be purchased by the purchaser. Then, the product registered by the registration operation means is a special offer product for which a special offer can be obtained by purchasing it together with the promotional product, and when the promotional product is registered by the registration operation means, the special offer is given to the purchaser.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a store system established in a store to which an information providing device according to an embodiment is applied; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a product record stored in a product database. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a sales area record stored in a sales area database. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a member record stored in a member database. Schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a promotion record stored in a promotion database. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of an information terminal. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a store server. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of main areas of a cart memory provided in a store server. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of main areas of a shopping memory provided in a store server. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of main areas of a sales promotion memory provided in a store server. 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the information terminal according to a terminal program. 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the information terminal according to a terminal program. 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the information terminal according to a terminal program. 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the information terminal according to a terminal program. 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the information terminal according to a terminal program. 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the information terminal according to a terminal program. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of information processing executed by a processor of a store server in response to receiving a login command. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of information processing executed by a processor of the store server in response to receiving a position command. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of information processing executed by a processor of the store server in response to receiving a sales promotion request command. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of information processing executed by a processor of the store server in response to receiving a registration command. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing executed by a processor of the store server in response to receiving a transaction command. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a touch panel. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of promotional icons and promotional information associated with promotional content corresponding to a recipe. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a promotional icon and promotional information associated with point-enabled promotional content.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information providing device capable of acquiring a response of a recipient of provided information to provided information will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, in a store that has implemented a point service system, a purchaser who uses a shopping cart to shop is provided with information related to sales promotions via an information terminal installed in the shopping cart. In other words, the purchaser is the recipient of the information. The point service system is a system in which points are awarded to purchasers who are point members as compensation for purchasing products in a store, and the purchaser can receive benefits according to the accumulated points. In the following explanation, the shopping cart will be referred to as a cart.

Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a store system 1 constructed in a store to which the information provision device of this embodiment is applied. The store system 1 includes an information terminal 10, an access point 20, a payment machine 30, a store server 40, a member server 50, and a provision server 60. The store system 1 also includes a network 2. The network 2 connects the access point 20, the payment machine 30, the store server 40, the member server 50, and the provision server 60 so that they can communicate freely. The network 2 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

The information terminal 10 is a device that allows a purchaser to input data related to the registration of purchased items by himself/herself. The information terminal 10 is provided in a cart C. The cart C is an example of a mobile object that transports purchased items by the purchaser who is the user of the cart C.

The information terminal 10 is equipped with a wireless unit. The information terminal 10 communicates wirelessly with the access point 20. The access point 20 relays communication between the information terminal 10 and each device connected to the network 2, such as the accounting machine 30, the store server 40, the member server 50, and the provision server 60. Although only one access point 20 is shown in FIG. 1, there may be two or more access points 20 depending on the size of the store, etc.

The accounting machine 30 is a device that allows a store clerk or a customer to process the payment for purchased items. The accounting machine 30 is a well-known self-service POS terminal. The accounting machine 30 may also be a well-known face-to-face POS terminal. There is no particular limit to the number of accounting machines 30.

The store server 40 is a computer device specialized for supporting store operations. The store server 40 is equipped with a product database 71 and a sales floor database 72. The product database 71 and the sales floor database 72 may be stored in a storage device built into the store server 40, or in a storage device external to the store server 40. The product database 71 stores product records 71R generated for each product sold in the store. The sales floor database 72 stores sales floor records 72R generated for each sales floor such as fruits and vegetables, meat, fresh fish, dairy products, processed foods, beverages, dried goods, confectionery, and daily necessities. Note that the classification of sales floors is not limited to the above-mentioned classifications.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of product record 71R. As shown in the figure, product record 71R includes data items such as product code, product name, price, points, sales area code, shelf number, etc.

The product code is a unique code assigned to each product to identify it individually. The product name is the name of the product identified by the corresponding product code. The price is the sales price per item, or the unit price. The points are service points awarded to customers who purchase the product. The sales floor code is a unique code assigned to the sales floor where the product identified by the corresponding product code is sold, and the shelf number is a number assigned to the product shelf on which the product is displayed. In other words, the location where each product is sold can be identified by the sales floor code and shelf number for that product.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the sales floor record 72R. As shown in the figure, the sales floor record 72R includes information on the sales floor code and a group of position coordinates.

The sales floor code is a unique code assigned to each sales floor to identify it individually. The position coordinate group is coordinate data representing the planar area of the sales floor identified by the corresponding sales floor code. In this embodiment, one arbitrary location in the sales floor is set as the reference position, and this reference position is the origin O (0,0) of the XY coordinate system. The planar area of each sales floor is then represented by XY coordinates relative to the origin O. The position coordinate group is a collection of XY coordinates representing the planar area of the sales floor identified by the corresponding sales floor code.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The member server 50 is a computer device specialized for supporting operations related to point members. The member server 50 is equipped with a member database 73. The member database 73 may be stored in a storage device built into the member server 50, or in a storage device externally attached to the member server 50. The member database 73 stores a member record 73R generated for each point member.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of member record 73R. As shown in the figure, member record 73R includes data items such as member ID, personal information, and promotional response data.

The member ID is a unique code assigned to each point member to identify them individually. Point members possess recording media on which their member ID is written. The recording media is, for example, card media such as an ID card or magnetic card. The recording media may be, for example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, mobile phone, wearable device, or tablet device. The personal information is the name, gender, age, etc. of the point member identified by the corresponding member ID. The sales promotion response data describes the values of the number of views, viewing time, and number of bonuses for each type code. The type code, number of views, viewing time, and number of bonuses will be explained later. Note that sales promotion is an abbreviation for sales promotion.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The providing server 60 is a computer device specialized for supporting the provision of promotional content. The providing server 60 has a promotional database 74. The promotional database 74 may be stored in a storage device built into the providing server 60 or in a storage device external to the providing server 60. Promotional content is information for encouraging purchasers to purchase specific products. For example, there is recipe-based promotional content that encourages purchase of a product by introducing a recipe using a specific product. For example, there is point-based promotional content that encourages purchase of a product by offering extra service points when a specific product is purchased in combination with other products. The promotional database 74 stores promotional records 74R generated for each promotional content.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the promotion record 74R. As shown in the figure, the promotion record 74R includes data items such as a promotion ID, a sales floor code, a type code, a promotion icon, a promotional product code, a special product code, and promotional information.

The promotion ID is a unique code assigned to each piece of promotional content to identify it individually. The sales floor code is a code that identifies the sales floor that provides the promotional content identified by the corresponding promotion ID. The provider server 60 provides the promotional content to customers in the sales floor identified by the sales floor code.

The type code is a code that identifies the type of promotional content identified by the corresponding promotion ID. Types of promotional content include the aforementioned recipe-based promotional content and point-based promotional content. The types of promotional content are not limited to these. Content types that promote sales from other perspectives may also be set.

The promotional icon is graphic data for informing the purchaser that promotional content identified by the corresponding promotional ID is available. The promotional icon is displayed on the display device of the information terminal 10 provided in the cart C. The promotional icon is designed so that the purchaser can distinguish the type of promotional content.

An example of a promotional icon will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. In Figure 23, promotional icon IC1 is an icon for informing a purchaser that recipe-compatible promotional content is available. The purchaser can learn from promotional icon IC1 that recipe-compatible promotional content is available. In Figure 24, promotional icon IC2 is an icon for informing a purchaser that points-compatible promotional content is available. The purchaser can learn from promotional icon IC2 that points-compatible promotional content is available.

The promotional product code is the product code of the promotional product introduced by the promotional content. The bonus product code is the product code of a bonus product that can be purchased together with the promotional product to receive a bonus. The promotional information is data that combines characters, figures, images, etc. that represent the promotional content. The promotional information may also be data that combines audio, video, etc.

In this embodiment, when a promotional product such as a sale item is present among the products being sold at the sales floor where the purchaser is present, a promotional icon is output on the information terminal 10 of the cart C used by the purchaser, thereby informing the purchaser that there is promotional content introducing the promotional product. In addition, a special offer product is set in association with the promotional product, and if a purchaser who has viewed the promotional content purchases the special offer product, a special offer is given, thereby encouraging further sales promotion. Such an information providing device with a promotional effect is realized by cooperation between the store server 40, the member server 50, and the providing server 60. Note that it is also possible to realize the information providing device by one or two servers, by having any of the servers have the functions of the other servers. Alternatively, it is also possible to realize the information providing device by four or more servers, by distributing the functions of any of the servers to two or more servers.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 10. The information terminal 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a clock 14, a wireless unit 15, a group of sensors 16, a touch panel 17, a scanner 18, a reader 19, an imaging device 110, and a system transmission path 111. The system transmission path 111 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The information terminal 10 connects the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the clock 14, the wireless unit 15, a group of sensors 16, a touch panel 17, a scanner 18, a reader 19, and an imaging device 110 to the system transmission path 111. In the information terminal 10, a computer is configured by the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission path 111 that connects them.

The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the information terminal 10 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may also store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in a nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary memory device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary memory device 13 may be an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary memory device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary memory device 13 may also store the application programs described above. The auxiliary memory device 13 stores the identification number of the cart C on which the information terminal 10 is provided, i.e., the cart number.

The clock 14 functions as a time information source for the information terminal 10. The processor 11 measures time based on the time kept by the clock 14. The wireless unit 15 wirelessly communicates data with the access point 20 in accordance with a wireless communication protocol.

The sensor group 16 is for measuring the position, direction of movement, etc. of the information terminal 10. The sensor group 16 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor), a geomagnetic sensor (electronic compass), etc. The sensor group 16 may include other sensors. Based on the detection values of the sensor group 16, the processor 11 measures the direction of movement (azimuth) and amount of movement (distance) of the information terminal 10 using an autonomous navigation technology called PDR (Pedestrian Dead Reckoning) or VDR (Vehicle Dead Reckoning), etc., and performs positioning of the information terminal 10. The measured position value is expressed by an X-Y coordinate system with the origin O being a reference position set in the sales floor.

The touch panel 17 is a device that serves as both an input device and a display device for the information terminal 10. The touch panel 17 detects the touch position on the displayed image and outputs the touch position information to the processor 11.

The scanner 18 reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes attached to products. Products are affixed with code symbols that represent their product codes. The scanner 18 outputs the data of the read code symbols to the processor 11. The scanner 18 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

The reader 19 reads data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to the processor 11. The reader 19 is a magnetic card reader if the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader if the recording medium is a contact IC card. In the case of a non-contact IC card or a recording medium that uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) such as a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as the reader 19.

The imaging device 110 is a device for capturing images of the forward direction of the cart C at a constant interval. Typically, a customer using the cart C to shop in a store holds the handle of the cart C and moves around the store while pushing it forward. The direction in which the cart C moves at this time is defined as the forward direction. The imaging device 110 is attached to a part of the cart C, and captures images of the inside of the store in the forward direction at a interval of, for example, one second. The imaging device 110 is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera.

In the information terminal 10 having the circuit components described above, the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, clock 14, wireless unit 15, sensor group 16, and touch panel 17 are configured as a tablet terminal. The information terminal 10 is configured by electrically connecting the scanner 18, reader 19, and imaging device 110 to this tablet terminal. Note that all or part of the scanner 18, reader 19, or imaging device 110 may be incorporated into the tablet terminal.

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server 40. The store server 40 comprises a processor 41, a main memory 42, an auxiliary storage device 43, a communication interface 44, and a system transmission path 45. The system transmission path 45 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The store server 40 connects the processor 41, the main memory 42, the auxiliary storage device 43, and the communication interface 44 to the system transmission path 45. In the store server 40, a computer is formed by the processor 41, the main memory 42, the auxiliary storage device 43, and the system transmission path 45 that connects them.

The processor 41 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 41 controls each part to realize various functions of the store server 40 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU.

The main memory 42 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 42 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 42 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 42 may also store data required for the processor 41 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 42 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 41. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

The auxiliary storage device 43 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 43 can be an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD. The auxiliary storage device 43 stores data used by the processor 41 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 41. The auxiliary storage device 43 may also store the application programs described above. The auxiliary storage device 43 may also store the product database 71 described above.

The application program includes a control program, which will be described later. That is, the control program is stored in the main memory 42 or the auxiliary storage device 43, and executed by the processor 41. The method for installing the control program in the main memory 42 or the auxiliary storage device 43 is not particularly limited. The control program can be installed in the main memory 42 or the auxiliary storage device 43 by recording it on a removable recording medium, or by distributing the control program by communication via a network. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

The communication interface 44 connects to the network 2. The communication interface 44 performs data communication with multiple information terminals 10 according to a protocol via an access point 20 connected to the network 2. The communication interface 44 also performs data communication with the accounting machine 30, the member server 50, and the provision server 60 connected via the network 2 according to a protocol.

A store server 40 configured in this way uses part of the memory area of the auxiliary memory device 43 as the cart memory 431, shopping memory 432, and promotional memory 433 areas.

The cart memory 431 is an area for storing information about the cart C and each purchaser who uses the cart C. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the main area configuration of the cart memory 431. As shown in FIG. 8, the cart memory 431 has a cart ID area, a member ID area, and a sales floor code area. The cart ID area describes the cart ID of the cart C. The member ID area describes the member ID of the purchaser who uses the cart C. The sales floor code area describes the sales floor code of the sales floor in which the cart C is located. Incidentally, the cart ID of the cart C in which the information terminal 10 is installed is set in the auxiliary memory device 13 of the information terminal 10.

The shopping memory 432 is an area for storing data relating to purchased items registered by each purchaser using the information terminal 10, i.e., product sales data. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the main area configuration of the shopping memory 432. As shown in Figure 9, the shopping memory 432 has a member ID area and multiple purchased item areas. The purchased item areas are areas for sequentially storing product sales data consisting of the items of product code, product name, price, points, discount amount, amount, and points. The product sales data is not limited to the data of the above items. Data of other items, such as tax reduction and tax amount, may be added.

The promotion memory 433 is an area for storing data related to the promotion content provided to each purchaser. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main area configuration of the promotion memory 433. As shown in FIG. 10, the promotion memory 433 has a member ID area and multiple promotion data areas. The promotion data area is an area for sequentially storing promotion records consisting of the following items: promotion ID, promotion icon, promotion product code, bonus product code, and status. The status represents the state of the promotion record. Specifically, the value of the status represents a state in which the promotion icon of the promotion content identified by the promotion ID is output, a state in which the promotion content has been provided to the purchaser, and a state in which the purchaser has purchased the promotion target product. The data related to promotion is not limited to the data of the above items. Data of other items may be added.

FIGS. 11 to 16 are flow charts showing the steps of the main information processing executed by the processor 11 of the information terminal 10 in accordance with the terminal program. The terminal program is stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. FIGS. 17 to 21 are flow charts showing the steps of the information processing executed by the processor 41 of the store server 40 in response to receiving a main command sent from the information terminal 10. This step follows the control program stored in the main memory 42 or the auxiliary storage device 43.

Below, using these flow charts, we will explain the main operations of the store system 1, from when a purchaser who is a point member uses the information terminal 10 installed in the cart C to register the purchased items, until payment is made at the accounting machine 30. Note that the operations described below are just an example. As long as similar results are obtained, the procedure is not particularly limited.

First, the purchaser touches the touch panel 17 of the tablet terminal provided in the cart C. When the touch panel 17 is touched, the processor 11, which has been in an idle state, is started. The processor 11 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 11.

At ACT 101, the processor 11 causes the touch panel 17 to display a login screen. The login screen is a screen for instructing the purchaser to perform a login operation. A purchaser who is a point member has a recording medium on which his or her member ID is recorded. If the recording medium is a card medium, the purchaser, having checked the login screen, causes the reader 19 to read the member ID on the card medium.

Having displayed the login screen, the processor 11 waits for login in ACT 102. The processor 11 receives the data read by the reader 19, and upon confirming that the data is a member ID, detects login. In other words, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 102 and proceeds to ACT 103.

At ACT 103, the processor 11 controls the wireless unit 15 to output a login command to the store server 40. This control causes the wireless unit 15 to wirelessly transmit the login command. The login command is received by the access point 20 and sent to the store server 40 via the network 2. The login command contains the member ID read by the reader 19 and the cart ID set in the auxiliary memory device 13.

When the processor 41 of the store server 40 receives a command from the information terminal 10 via the communication interface 44, it checks the type of command. If the received command is a login command, the processor 41 starts a command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 17.

In ACT 201, processor 41 detects the member ID from the login command. Then, in ACT 202, processor 41 authenticates the member identified by that member ID. Specifically, processor 41 queries member server 50 as to whether or not a member record 73R including that member ID exists in member database 73. If the member server 50 responds that the corresponding member record 73R exists in member database 73, processor 41 determines that the member authentication is valid. On the other hand, if the member server 50 responds that the corresponding member record 73R does not exist in member database 73, processor 41 determines that the member authentication is invalid.

After performing member authentication, the processor 41 checks the authentication result in ACT 203. If the authentication result is invalid, the processor 41 determines NO in ACT 203 and proceeds to ACT 204. The processor 41 controls the communication interface 44 to output a denial response command to the information terminal 10 in ACT 204. This control causes the communication interface 44 to transmit the denial response command. The denial response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 20 via the network 2 and is received by the information terminal 10 that transmitted the login command.

If the authentication result is valid, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT 203 and proceeds to ACT 205. In ACT 205, the processor 41 forms a cart memory 431, a shopping memory 432, and a sales promotion memory 433 in the auxiliary storage device 43. The processor 41 then writes the cart ID and member ID of the login command to the cart memory 431. The processor 41 also writes the member ID of the login command to the shopping memory 432 and the sales promotion memory 433.

Then, the processor 41 controls the communication interface 44 to output an approval response command to the information terminal 10 as ACT 206. This control causes the communication interface 44 to transmit the approval response command. The approval response command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 20 via the network 2 and is received by the information terminal 10 that sent the login command.

In this way, the store server 40 that receives the login command sends a denial response command or an approval response command to the information terminal 10 that sent the login command. When either response command is sent, the processor 41 ends the login command reception process.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 11 of the information terminal 10 that controlled the output of the login command in Act 103 waits for a response command from the store server 40 in Act 104. When a denial response command is received from the store server 40, the processor 11 determines NO in Act 104 and treats the login as an error.

If a login error occurs, the purchaser, who is the operator of the information terminal 10, performs an operation to clear the error on the touch panel 17. When the clearing operation is performed, the processor 11 resumes processing from Act 101. Therefore, the purchaser will log in again.

If an approval response command is received from the store server 40, the processor 11 determines YES in Act 104 and proceeds to Act 105. In Act 105, the processor 11 stores the member ID of the approval response command in the main memory 12.

The processor 11 starts an imaging operation using the imaging device 110 in ACT 106. Then, the processor 11 displays the image captured by the imaging device 110 on the touch panel 17 in ACT 107.

Figure 22 is an example of an image SC1 displayed on the touch panel 17. Image SC1 includes a camera image area P1, a registered product information area P2, and a touch button group area P3. The registered product information area P2 is divided into areas for the product name, price, discount amount, and points. A checkout button B1 is displayed in the touch button group area P3. An image captured by the imaging device 110 is displayed in real time in the camera image area P1.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 11 performs positioning of the information terminal 10 based on the detection values of the sensor group 16 in ACT 108. Then, the processor 11 controls the wireless unit 15 to output a position command to the store server 40 in ACT 109. This control causes the wireless unit 15 to wirelessly transmit the position command. The position command is received by the access point 20 and sent to the store server 40 via the network 2. The position command includes the cart ID and position information, which is the positioning result of the information terminal 10, that is, X-Y coordinate data.

If the received command is a location command, the processor 41 of the store server 40 starts the command reception process shown in the flow chart of FIG. 18.

The processor 41 detects the cart ID and location information from the location command in ACT 211. The processor 41 then searches the sales floor database 72 using the location information in ACT 212. The processor 41 detects a sales floor record 72R that includes the X-Y coordinates of the location information in the group of location coordinates, and obtains the sales floor code from that sales floor record 72R.

In ACT 213, the processor 41 determines whether or not the sales floor identified by the sales floor code has been entered. Specifically, the processor 41 checks whether or not a sales floor code has been written in the cart memory 431 in which the cart ID of the position command has been written. If no sales floor code has been written, the processor 41 detects that the entry to the sales floor has occurred. If any sales floor code has been written, the processor 41 detects that the entry to the sales floor has not occurred. If the processor 41 detects that the entry to the sales floor has occurred, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT 213 and proceeds to ACT 214. In ACT 214, the processor 41 writes the sales floor code acquired in the processing of ACT 212 in the cart memory 431 in which the cart ID of the position command has been written.

The processor 41 collects promotional content for the sales floor that the customer has entered in ACT 215. Specifically, the processor 41 controls the communication interface 44 to output a promotional content collection command to the provision server 60. This control causes the communication interface 44 to transmit the promotional content collection command to the provision server 60 via the network 2. This collection command includes the sales floor code obtained in the processing of ACT 212.

When the provider server 60 receives the collection command, it searches the promotion database 74. Then, all promotion records 74R that contain the sales floor code of the collection command are detected. The data of the promotion records 74R detected from the promotion database 74 is sent to the store server 40 via the network 2. The processor 41 of the store server 40 writes the data of the promotion records 74R received via the communication interface 44 in the first work area of the main memory 42.

The processor 41 acquires the member ID from the cart memory 431 in which the cart ID of the position command is written in ACT 216. The processor 41 then acquires the promotion response data of the purchaser identified by that member ID. Specifically, the processor 41 controls the communication interface 44 to output a promotion response data acquisition command to the member server 50. This control causes the communication interface 44 to transmit the promotion response data acquisition command to the member server 50 via the network 2. This acquisition command includes the member ID acquired in the processing of ACT 216.

When the member server 50 receives the above acquisition command, it searches the member database 73. Then, the member record 73R containing the member ID of the acquisition command is detected, and the data of the member record 73R is sent to the store server 40 via the network 2. The processor 41 of the store server 40 writes the data of the member record 73R received via the communication interface 44 to the second work area of the main memory 42.

The processor 41 selects promotional content to be displayed from the promotional content collected from the provision server 60 based on the promotional response data contained in the member record 73R as ACT218. The selection algorithm will be described later.

The processor 41 sequentially writes the promotion ID, promotion icon, promotion product code, and bonus product code of the promotion content selected in ACT 219 to the promotion memory 433 of the member ID acquired in the processing of ACT 216. At this time, the status is all set to "0". "Status = "0"" indicates a state in which the promotion icon of the promotion content identified by the promotion ID is being output.

At ACT 220, the processor 41 controls the communication interface 44 to output a promotional display command to the information terminal 10 that sent the location command. This control causes the communication interface 44 to transmit the promotional display command. The promotional display command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 20 via the network 2, and is received by the information terminal 10 that sent the location command. The promotional display command includes paired data of a promotional ID and a promotional icon written in the promotional memory 433. Having controlled the output of the promotional display command, the processor 41 ends the reception process of the location command.

Returning to the explanation of ACT213.
If the processor 41 detects that the customer has not entered the sales floor, the processor 41 judges NO in ACT 213 and proceeds to ACT 221. The processor 41 judges whether or not the customer has left the sales floor in ACT 221. Specifically, the processor 41 checks whether or not the sales floor code acquired in the processing of ACT 212 is written in the cart memory 431 in which the cart ID of the position command is written. If the sales floor code is written, the processor 41 detects that the customer has not left the sales floor identified by the sales floor code. If the sales floor code is not written, the processor 41 detects that the customer has left the sales floor identified by the sales floor code. If the processor 41 detects that the customer has not left the sales floor, the processor 41 judges NO in ACT 221 and ends the reception processing of the position command.

When the processor 41 detects that the customer has left the sales floor, it determines YES in ACT 221 and proceeds to ACT 222. The processor 41 clears the sales floor code written in the cart memory 431 in ACT 222. The processor 41 also controls the communication interface 44 to output a promotion deletion command to the information terminal 10 that sent the location command. This control causes the communication interface 44 to send the promotion deletion command. The promotion deletion command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 20 via the network 2 and received by the information terminal 10 that sent the location command. Having controlled the output of the promotion deletion command, the processor 41 ends the reception process of the location command.

In this way, when the processor 41 of the store server 40 receives a location command from the information terminal 10 and detects that the cart C equipped with that information terminal 10 has entered a new sales floor, it outputs a sales promotion display command to that information terminal 10. In addition, when the processor 41 detects that the cart C equipped with that information terminal 10 has left the sales floor, it outputs a sales promotion deletion command to that information terminal 10.

If, as a result of collecting promotional content in ACT215, promotional content for the corresponding sales floor cannot be detected, the promotion display command is not output. In this case, even if cart C leaves the sales floor, the promotion deletion command is not output.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 11 of the information terminal 10 that controlled the output of the position command determines whether or not a promotional product command has been received in ACT110. If the promotional product command has not been received, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT110 and proceeds to ACT111. The processor 11 determines whether or not a promotion deletion command has been received in ACT111. If the promotion deletion command has not been received, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT111 and proceeds to ACT112. The processor 11 determines whether or not an input has been received from the touch panel 17 or the scanner 18 in ACT112. If there is no input, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT112 and returns to ACT107. That is, the processor 11 causes the touch panel 17 to display an image captured by the imaging device. The processor 11 also performs positioning of the information terminal 10 and outputs a position command to the store server 40. The processor 11 then waits to receive a promotion display command or a promotion removal command, or for input from the touch panel 17 or scanner 18 .

If a promotion display command is received via the wireless unit 15 during the standby state of ACT 107 to ACT 112, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 110 and proceeds to ACT 121 of FIG. 12. In ACT 121, the processor 11 causes the touch panel 17 to display the promotion icon included in the promotion display command.

For example, the processor 11 utilizes AR (Augmented Reality) technology to display a promotional icon superimposed on the captured image of the imaging device 110. At this time, if a product identified by a promotional product code associated with the promotional icon is displayed in the captured image, the promotional icon is displayed superimposed on the image of the product. Whether or not a product is displayed in the captured image can be determined from the sales floor code and shelf number of the product stored in the product database 71, and the position and movement direction of the information terminal 10 identified based on the detection values of the sensor group 16.

The processor 11 sets a promotion flag in the main memory 12 in ACT 122. The processor 11 then returns to ACT 107 in FIG. 11.

If a promotion deletion command is received via the wireless unit 15 in the standby state of ACT 107 to ACT 112, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 111 and proceeds to ACT 131 in FIG. 13. The processor 11 deletes the promotion icon that was displayed on the touch panel 17 in ACT 131. The processor 11 also resets the promotion flag from the main memory 12 in ACT 132. The processor 11 then returns to ACT 107 in FIG. 11.

In this way, when there is promotional content for a product being sold at a sales floor where a purchaser using cart C is present, promotional icon IC1 or promotional icon IC2 corresponding to the type of promotional content is displayed on the touch panel 17 of the information terminal 10 provided in that cart C. Therefore, a purchaser who checks promotional icon IC1 can easily know that there is recipe-related promotional content. Similarly, a purchaser who checks promotional icon IC2 can easily know that there is point-related promotional content.

A customer who is interested in the recipe-related promotional content touches the promotional icon IC1. A customer who is interested in the points-related promotional content touches the promotional icon IC2. A customer who purchases an item at the sales floor has the code symbol attached to the item read by the scanner 18 and then places the item in the cart C. A customer who has finished purchasing the item touches the checkout button B1.

If an input from the touch panel 17 or the scanner 18 is detected during the standby state of ACT 107 to ACT 112, the processor 11 judges as YES in ACT 112 and proceeds to ACT 141 in FIG. 14. The processor 11 judges whether or not a promotion is running in ACT 141. If the promotion flag is set in the main memory 12, the processor 11 detects that a promotion is running. If the promotion flag is not set in the main memory 12, the processor 11 detects that a promotion is not running. If it detects that a promotion is running, the processor 11 judges as YES in ACT 141 and proceeds to ACT 142. The processor 11 checks whether or not a touch operation on the promotion icon IC1 or the promotion icon IC2 displayed on the touch panel 17 has been detected in ACT 142. If the processor 11 does not detect a touch operation on the promotion icon IC1 or the promotion icon IC2, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT 142 and proceeds to ACT 143. On the other hand, if the processor 11 detects that a promotion is not in progress, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT 141, skips the processing of ACT 142, and proceeds to ACT 143. When a promotion is not in progress, no promotion icon is displayed on the touch panel 17. Therefore, the processor 11 can skip the processing of ACT 142.

The processor 11 determines whether or not a product code has been input in ACT 143. When the scanner 18 reads the code symbol attached to the product, the processor 11 detects that a product code has been input. If the processor 11 does not detect that a product code has been input, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT 143 and proceeds to ACT 144. The processor 11 determines whether or not a checkout instruction has been input in ACT 144. When the checkout button B1 is touched, the processor 11 detects that a checkout instruction has been input. If the processor 11 detects that a checkout instruction has not been input, the information terminal 10 has accepted other input, and the processor 11 executes other processing according to the input.

If a touch operation on a promotional icon is detected, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 142 and proceeds to ACT 161 in FIG. 15. In ACT 161, the processor 11 controls the wireless unit 15 to output a promotion request command to the store server 40. This control causes the wireless unit 15 to wirelessly transmit the promotion request command. The promotion request command is received by the access point 20 and sent to the store server 40 via the network 2. The promotion request command includes the member ID and the promotion ID that pairs with the promotional icon that was touched.

If the received command is a promotion request command, the processor 41 of the store server 40 starts the command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 19.

In ACT 231, the processor 41 obtains the promotion ID and the member ID from the promotion request command. Then, in ACT 232, the processor 41 refers to the data of the promotion record 74R described in the first work area, and obtains the type code of the promotion content identified by the promotion ID in the promotion request command. In ACT 233, the processor 41 also refers to the promotion memory 433 in which the member ID in the promotion request command is described, and checks the status corresponding to the promotion ID in the command.

Here, if the status is "0", the processor 41 judges YES in ACT 233 and proceeds to ACT 234. The processor 41 updates the status to "1" in ACT 234. "Status = "1"" indicates a state in which the promotional content identified by the promotion ID in the promotion request command has been provided to the purchaser. The processor 41 also detects the promotion response data described together with the member ID in the promotion request command from the data of the member record 73R described in the second work area in ACT 235. The processor 41 then adds "1" to the number of views of the category code obtained in the processing of ACT 232 from the promotion response data. After that, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT 236.

On the other hand, if the status is other than "0", the processor 41 judges NO in ACT 233, skips the processing of ACT 234 and ACT 235, and proceeds to ACT 236.

The processor 41 controls the communication interface 44 to output a promotional information command to the information terminal 10 as ACT 236. This control causes the communication interface 44 to transmit the promotional information command. The promotional information command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 20 via the network 2 and received by the information terminal 10 that sent the promotional request command. The promotional information command contains promotional information for the promotional content identified by the promotion ID of the promotional request command, based on the data of the promotional record 74R described in the first work area.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 11 of the information terminal 10 that controlled the output of the promotion request command waits for a promotion information command in ACT 162. Then, when the promotion information command is received via the wireless unit 15, the processor 11 judges that the result is YES in ACT 162 and proceeds to ACT 163. The processor 11 displays the promotion information included in the promotion information command on the touch panel 17 in ACT 163. The processor 11 also starts timekeeping using a timer counter in ACT 164. The timer counter counts up every time the clock 14 times, for example, one second.

In FIG. 23, image SC2 is an example of promotional information that is displayed on touch panel 17 when a customer touches promotional icon IC1. As shown in the figure, the promotional information corresponding to promotional icon IC1 introduces recipes that use special sale items being sold in that sales area. When the customer touches the "Next" button B2, image SC2 on touch panel 17 is switched to image SC3. That is, image SC3 is displayed, which explains that other items used in the recipes introduced in image SC2 are being sold at a discount, and introduces the sales area where those items are being sold.

In FIG. 24, image SC4 is an example of promotional information that is displayed on the touch panel 17 when a customer touches promotional icon IC2. As shown in the figure, the promotional information corresponding to promotional icon IC2 introduces information about increased points when a sale item being sold in that sales area is purchased. Here, when the customer touches the "Proceed" button B4, image SC4 on the touch panel 17 is switched to image SC5. That is, image SC5 is displayed, which introduces the item for which points will be increased and the sales area in which that item is sold.

After confirming the contents of the promotional information from image SC3 in FIG. 23 or image SC5 in FIG. 24, the purchaser touches the "Confirm" button B3 or B5.

At ACT 165, the processor 11 waits for the confirmation button B3 or the confirmation button B5 to be touched. When the confirmation button B3 or the confirmation button B5 is touched, the processor 11 determines YES at ACT 165 and proceeds to ACT 166. At ACT 166, the processor 11 stops the timer counter from timing. At ACT 167, the processor 11 erases the promotional information. After that, at ACT 168, the processor 11 controls the wireless unit 15 to output a viewing command to the store server 40. With this control, the wireless unit 15 wirelessly transmits the viewing command. The viewing command is received by the access point 20 and sent to the store server 40 via the network 2. The viewing command includes the member ID, the promotional ID, and data indicating the time counted by the timer counter, i.e., the time the purchaser viewed the promotional information. After controlling the output of the viewing command, the processor 11 returns to ACT 107 in FIG. 11.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 41 of the store server 40, which controlled the output of the promotion information command, waits for a view command in ACT 237. Then, when the view command is received via the communication interface 44, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT 237 and proceeds to ACT 238. The processor 41 detects the promotion response data described together with the member ID of the view command from the data of the member record 73R described in the second work area in ACT 238. The processor 41 then adds the viewing time of the view command to the viewing time of the category code associated with the promotion ID of the view command from the promotion response data. With this, the processor 41 ends the reception process of the promotion request command.

Return to the explanation of Figure 14.

When the processor 11 detects that a product code has been input, the result is YES in ACT 143, and the process proceeds to ACT 171 in FIG. 16. In ACT 171, the processor 11 controls the wireless unit 15 to output a registration command to the store server 40. This control causes the wireless unit 15 to wirelessly transmit the registration command. The registration command is received by the access point 20 and sent to the store server 40 via the network 2. The registration command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 12 and the product code of the registered product.

If the received command is a registration command, the processor 41 of the store server 40 starts the command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 20.

In Act 241, the processor 41 obtains the member ID from the registration command. In Act 242, the processor 41 creates product sales data by referencing the product database 71 with the product code included in the registration command. The product sales data includes the product code, product name, price, points, discount amount, amount, points, etc. The product name, price, and points are obtained from the product database 71. The points are "1", the amount is the product of the price and the points, and the discount amount is "0". In Act 243, the processor 41 writes this product sales data to the shopping memory 432 of the member ID obtained in the processing of ACT 241.

In ACT 244, the processor 41 determines whether the product identified by the product code in the product sales data is a promotional product. In the following description of FIG. 20, the product identified by the product code in the product sales data is referred to as the product in question. The processor 41 references the promotional memory 433 in which the member ID of the registration command is written. Then, if the product code in the product sales data is registered as a promotional product code, the processor 41 detects that the product in question is a promotional product.

If the product is not a promotional product, the processor 41 determines NO in ACT 244 and proceeds to ACT 245. In ACT 245, the processor 41 determines whether the product is a bonus product. The processor 41 refers to the promotional memory 433 in which the member ID of the registration command is written. Then, if the product code in the product sales data is registered as a bonus product code, the processor 41 detects that the product is a bonus product.

If the product is not a bonus product, the processor 41 judges NO in ACT 245 and proceeds to ACT 251. The processing of ACT 251 will be described later.

If the product is a promotional product, the processor 41 judges YES in ACT 244 and proceeds to ACT 246. The processor 41 refers to the promotion memory 433 in which the member ID of the registration command is described in ACT 246, and checks the status of the record in which the product code of the product is described as a promotional product code. If the status is "1", that is, if the purchaser has viewed the promotional information identified by the promotional ID of that record, the processor 41 judges YES in ACT 246 and proceeds to ACT 247. The processor 41 updates the status to "2" in ACT 247. "Status = "2"" indicates that the purchaser has purchased the promotional product. The processor 41 then proceeds to ACT 251.

If the status is other than "1", the processor 41 judges NO in ACT 246, skips the processing of ACT 247, and proceeds to ACT 251. Even if the purchased product is a promotional product, there may be cases where the purchaser has not viewed the promotional information for that promotional product. In such a case, the status is not "1", so the processing of ACT 247 is skipped.

If the product is a bonus product, the processor 41 judges YES in ACT 245 and proceeds to ACT 248. The processor 41 refers to the promotion memory 433 in which the member ID of the registration command is described in ACT 248, and checks the status of the record in which the product code of the product is described as a bonus product code. If the status is "2", that is, if the promotional product introduced in the promotional information identified by the promotional ID of that record has already been purchased, the processor 41 judges YES in ACT 248 and proceeds to ACT 249.

The processor 41 grants a bonus at ACT 249. For example, if the promotional information is the content introduced in image SC3 in FIG. 23, the processor 41 writes a 20% discount off the price included in the product sales data of the bonus item as the discount amount of the product sales data. For example, if the promotional information is the content introduced in image SC5 in FIG. 24, the processor 41 doubles the points included in the product sales data of the bonus item.

When the processor 41 finishes processing in ACT 249, it detects the promotion response data written together with the member ID of the registration command from the data of the member record 73R written in the second work area in ACT 250. Then, the processor 41 adds "1" to the number of times the bonus is given for the category code associated with the promotion ID of the bonus product code from that promotion response data. After that, the processor 41 proceeds to ACT 251.

If the status is other than "2", the processor 41 judges NO in ACT 248, skips the processing of ACT 249 and ACT 250, and proceeds to ACT 251. Even if the purchased item is a bonus item, there may be cases where the purchaser has not purchased a promotional item associated with the bonus item. In such a case, since the status is not "2", the processing of ACT 249 and ACT 250 is skipped.

At ACT251, the processor 41 controls the communication interface 44 to output the registered command to the information terminal 10. This control causes the communication interface 44 to transmit the registered command. The registered command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 20 via the network 2, and is received by the information terminal 10 that transmitted the registered command. The registered command contains the latest product sales data. After the processor 41 has finished transmitting the registered command, it ends this command reception process.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 11 of the information terminal 10 that controlled the output of the registration command waits for a registered command in Act 172. Then, when the processor 11 receives the registered command from the store server 40, the processor 11 determines YES in Act 172 and proceeds to Act 173. The processor 11 displays the product registration information on the touch panel 17 in Act 173. Specifically, the processor 11 controls the touch panel 17 so that the product name, price, discount amount, and points of the product sales data included in the registered command are displayed in the area P2 of the image SC1 displayed on the touch panel 17. Then, the processor 11 returns to Act 107 of FIG. 11.

The data items displayed in area P2 are not limited to the product name, price, discount amount, and points. Other items such as tax amount may be added, or any of the items may be omitted. Also, the product registration information may be output by voice rather than displayed.

Return to the explanation of Figure 14.

When the processor 11 detects that a checkout command has been input, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 144 and proceeds to ACT 145. In ACT 145, the processor 11 stops the image capturing operation by the imaging device 110. In ACT 146, the processor 11 also controls the wireless unit 15 to output a checkout command to the store server 40. This control causes the wireless unit 15 to wirelessly transmit the checkout command. The checkout command is received by the access point 20 and sent to the store server 40 via the network 2. The checkout command includes the member ID stored in the main memory 12.

If the received command is a checkout command, the processor 41 of the store server 40 starts the command reception process according to the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 21.

In Act 261, the processor 41 detects the member ID from the checkout command. Then, in Act 262, the processor 41 extracts the shopping memory 432 in which the detected member ID is written as the processing target. In Act 263, the processor 41 also generates checkout barcode data. The checkout barcode is used to identify the purchaser who is making the checkout at the checkout device 30. Then, in Act 264, the processor 41 associates the checkout barcode with the shopping memory 432 extracted in the processing of Act 262. Information relating to this association is stored in the main memory 42.

The processor 41 controls the communication interface 44 to output an accounting notification command to the information terminal 10 as ACT 265. This control causes the communication interface 44 to send the accounting notification command. The accounting notification command is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 20 via the network 2 and is received by the information terminal 10 that sent the accounting command.

At ACT 266, the processor 41 performs an update process on the sales promotion response data. That is, the processor 41 retrieves data for member record 73R, including the member ID of the checkout command, from the second work area. The processor 41 then controls the communication interface 44 to output the data for member record 73R to the member server 50. This control causes the communication interface 44 to send the data for member record 73R. The data for member record 73R is received by the member server 50 via network 2. In the member server 50, the member record 73R for the corresponding member ID stored in the member database 73 is updated with the data received from the store server 40.

Therefore, when a purchaser touches IC1 to a promotional icon corresponding to a recipe and views the promotional information associated with that promotional icon IC1, the number of times the category code indicating the promotional information corresponding to the recipe is viewed is incremented. The viewing time of that promotional information is also incremented. Furthermore, if a special product is purchased together with the promotional product specified in the promotional information, a discount is given as a special benefit and the number of times the special benefit has been received is incremented.

When a purchaser touches IC2 to a promotion icon corresponding to points and views promotion information associated with the promotion icon IC2, the number of times the category code indicating the promotion information corresponding to points is viewed is incremented. Also, the viewing time of the promotion information is incremented. Furthermore, when a promotion product specified in the promotion information is purchased together with a special product, a special bonus of extra points is given and the number of times the special bonus has been received is incremented.
When the process of updating the sales promotion response data is completed, the processor 41 ends the process of receiving the transaction command.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The processor 11 of the information terminal 10, which controlled the output of the accounting command, waits for an accounting notification command in ACT 147. Then, when the accounting notification command is received via the wireless unit 15, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 147 and proceeds to ACT 148. In ACT 148, the processor 11 displays an accounting information screen on the touch panel 17. The accounting barcode included in the accounting notification command is displayed on the accounting information screen.

After checking the checkout information screen, the purchaser has the checkout barcode read by the scanner provided in the checkout machine 30. The checkout machine 30 then makes an inquiry to the store server 40. This inquiry causes data in the shopping memory 432 associated with the checkout barcode to be sent to the checkout machine 30. Thus, payment can be made at the checkout machine 30. For example, cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, points payment, etc. can be processed at the checkout machine 30. These payment processes are well known, so a description of them will be omitted here.

In ACT 149, the processor 11 determines whether the transaction has been completed. For example, when a command is received from the store server 40 to notify that the transaction barcode data has been read by the scanner of the transaction machine 30, the processor 11 detects that the transaction has been completed. If it detects that the transaction has been completed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 149 and proceeds to ACT 150. The processor 11 logs out in ACT 150. With this, the processor 11 ends the processing after accepting the login in ACT 102.

The computer mainly consisting of the processor 41 of the store server 40 cooperates with the member server 50 and the provider server 60 to execute the processes of ACT211 to ACT220 in FIG. 18, thereby forming an image output means that outputs images, i.e., promotional icons IC1 and IC2, informing the purchaser that there is promotional information to be provided to the purchaser in accordance with the purchaser's movements, to the information terminal 10 of the cart C used by the purchaser.

In addition, by executing the processes of ACT231, ACT232, and ACT236 in FIG. 19, the computer constitutes an information output means that, when it detects an input from a purchaser who has confirmed the promotional icons IC1 and IC2 to receive promotional information, outputs the promotional information to the information terminal 10 of the cart C used by that purchaser.

The computer also constitutes an acquisition means for acquiring information necessary for analyzing the buyer's response to the promotional icons IC1 and IC2 output to the information terminal 10, that is, the number of views, the viewing time, and the number of bonuses, by executing the processes of ACT235 and ACT238 in FIG. 19 and the process of ACT250 in FIG. 20.

The computer also works in cooperation with the member server 50 to execute the process of ACT 266 in FIG. 21, thereby constituting a counting means for counting the information required for the above-mentioned reaction analysis by purchaser.

The computer also constitutes a registration means for registering products purchased by a purchaser by executing the processes of ACT241 to ACT243 in FIG. 20. The computer also constitutes a granting means for granting a bonus to a purchaser when a product registered by the registration means is related to the sales promotion information output by the information output means by executing the processes of ACT244 to ACT250 in FIG. 20.

According to the store system 1 equipped with the store server 40 configured as described above, it is possible to obtain the reaction of the purchaser to the promotion icon IC1 or the promotion icon IC2. Specifically, for each purchaser, it is possible to count the number of times the recipe-corresponding promotional content was viewed by touching the recipe-corresponding promotional icon IC1 and the number of times the point-corresponding promotional content was viewed by touching the point-corresponding promotional icon IC2. In addition, it is possible to count the viewing time for each type of promotional content. Furthermore, it is possible to count the number of times a bonus product was purchased along with the promotional product introduced by the promotional content. Therefore, it is possible to know for each purchaser how the purchaser, who is the recipient of the promotional information, reacts to the information provided. Therefore, it is easy to operate in such a way that the promotional information that is of interest to the purchaser is actively provided to promote sales.

Here, the selection algorithm for selecting the promotional content to be displayed from the promotional content collected from the provider server 60 will be described. As described above, according to this embodiment, for each purchaser, the number of times the recipe-corresponding promotional content was viewed by touching the recipe-corresponding promotional icon IC1 and the number of times the point-corresponding promotional content was viewed by touching the point-corresponding promotional icon IC2 can be counted. Therefore, in ACT 218 of FIG. 18, the processor 41 obtains the ratio between the number of times the recipe-corresponding promotional content was viewed and the number of times the point-corresponding promotional content was viewed. The processor 41 then selects the promotional content to be displayed according to this ratio. For example, if the ratio between the number of times the recipe-corresponding promotional content was viewed and the number of times the point-corresponding promotional content was viewed is 1:2, the promotional content to be displayed is selected so that the ratio between the recipe-corresponding promotional content and the point-corresponding promotional content is 1:2.

The selection algorithm is not limited to this. For example, the promotional content to be displayed may be selected based on the ratio of the time spent viewing the recipe-related promotional content to the time spent viewing the point-related promotional content. Alternatively, the promotional content to be displayed may be selected based on the ratio of the number of times the special offer has been given.

The computer mainly consisting of the processor 41 of the store server 40 cooperates with the member server 50 to execute the processes of ACT216 to ACT218 in FIG. 18, thereby constituting a selection means for selecting an image for each purchaser that notifies the purchaser that there is information that should be provided to that purchaser from the results classified by type and tallied by the tallying means.

By providing such a selection means, this embodiment has the effect of accurately providing promotional information that matches the preferences of the purchaser.

The above describes an embodiment of an information providing device that can obtain the recipient's reaction to the provided information, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

For example, in the above embodiment, a promotional icon is output on the information terminal 10 of the cart C used by the purchaser, thereby informing the purchaser that there is promotional content introducing the promotional product. In this regard, for example, the purchaser may be notified of the presence of promotional content on a smartphone, tablet terminal, wearable terminal, etc. owned by the purchaser.

In the above embodiment, the number of times the promotional information was viewed, the time spent viewing the promotional information, and the number of times the bonus product was purchased were exemplified as information required for reaction analysis. However, the information required for reaction analysis is not limited to this. For example, the time it takes to travel to a sales floor where the bonus product is located may be measured, and the accumulated time may be tallied.

In the above embodiment, the information to be provided to the recipient is described as promotional information to be provided to a purchaser. The information to be provided to the recipient is not limited to promotional information. Furthermore, the recipient is not limited to a purchaser. For example, the concept of this embodiment can be applied to the case where information is provided to instruct workers on work content in a factory. In other words, by analyzing the reaction of workers to the provision of work instruction information, it becomes possible to devise a more accurate information provision system.

Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.
The invention as originally claimed in the present application is set forth below.
[1] An information providing device comprising: an image output means for outputting an image to a terminal used by a person to be provided with information in accordance with the movement of the person to be provided with information, an information output means for outputting the information to the terminal used by the person to be provided with information when an input from the person to be provided with information after viewing the image is detected to receive the information, an acquisition means for acquiring information necessary for reaction analysis of the person to be provided with the image output to the terminal, and a compilation means for compiling the information necessary for the reaction analysis acquired by the acquisition means for each person to be provided with the information.
[2] The information providing device described in Appendix [1], wherein the counting means counts, for each recipient, at least one of the following information necessary for the reaction analysis: the number of times the image was checked and an input was made to receive the information, the time spent viewing the information output to the terminal, and the number of times the user moved to a location related to the information output to the terminal.
[3] The information providing device described in appendix [1] or [2], wherein the image is capable of identifying the type of information to be provided, and the aggregation means classifies the information by type and aggregates the information necessary for the reaction analysis acquired by the acquisition means by recipient.
[4] The information providing device described in appendix [3] further comprises a selection means for selecting, from the results classified by type and tallied by the tallying means, an image for each recipient of the information to be provided that notifies the recipient that information is available for the recipient of the information to be provided, and the image output means outputs the image selected by the selection means.
[5] An information providing device as described in appendix [1], further comprising a registration means for registering a product to be purchased by the provided person, and an awarding means for awarding a benefit to the provided person when the product registered by the registration means is related to the information output by the information output means.
[6] A control program for causing a computer to function as an image output means for outputting, in accordance with the movement of the person receiving the information, an image to a terminal used by the person receiving the information, indicating that there is information to be provided to the person receiving the information; an information output means for outputting, when an input from the person receiving the information that he/she has confirmed by checking the image, an input indicating that he/she will receive the information, to the terminal used by the person receiving the information; an acquisition means for acquiring information necessary for reaction analysis of the person receiving the information to the image output to the terminal; and a compilation means for compiling the information necessary for the reaction analysis acquired by the acquisition means by person receiving the information.

1...store system, 2...network, 10...information terminal, 11...processor, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...clock, 15...wireless unit, 16...sensor group, 17...touch panel, 18...scanner, 19...reader, 20...access point, 30...accounting machine, 40...store server, 41...processor, 42...main memory, 43...auxiliary storage device, 44...communication interface, 50...membership server, 60...provider server, 71...product database, 72...sales floor database, 73...membership database, 74...sales promotion database, 110...imaging device, 431...cart memory, 432...shopping memory, 433...sales promotion memory.

Claims (6)

An information terminal used by a purchaser in a store,
A captured image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image;
an image output means for outputting , when the captured image shows a promotional product, a promotion icon that notifies the purchaser that there is information related to the promotional product to be provided to the purchaser by superimposing the promotional icon on the captured image ;
an information output means for outputting information on the promotion target product when detecting an input from a purchaser who has confirmed the sales promotion icon to receive information on the promotion target product ;
A registration operation means for receiving an operation for registering a product to be purchased by the purchaser;
Equipped with
In the information terminal, the product registered by the registration operation means is a bonus product for which a bonus can be obtained by purchasing it together with the promotional product, and when the promotional product is registered by the registration operation means, the bonus is given to the purchaser . The information terminal includes:
A position detection means for detecting a position within the store;
a selection means for accepting an operation of selecting a sales promotion icon for informing a purchaser using the information terminal of the presence of a sales promotion target product to be offered based on the position detected by the position detection means;
Equipped with
2. The information terminal according to claim 1 , wherein said image output means outputs the promotion icon selected by said selection means by superimposing it on said captured image. 3. The information terminal according to claim 2 , wherein said image acquisition means acquires an image of the interior of said store in a forward direction of said purchaser . 2. The information terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the information relating to the promotional product output by the information output means includes information relating to a special offer product which can be purchased together with the promotional product to receive a special offer. a confirmation receiving means for receiving a confirmation instruction from the purchaser regarding the information related to the promotion target product output by the information output means;
a timing means for timing an elapsed time from when the information on the promotion target product is output to when a confirmation instruction is received from the purchaser;
2. The information terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: The computer of the information terminal used by the purchaser in the store ,
A captured image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image;
an image output means for outputting , when the captured image shows a promotional product, a promotion icon that notifies the purchaser that there is information related to the promotional product to be provided to the purchaser by superimposing the promotional icon on the captured image ;
an information output means for outputting information on the promotion target product when detecting an input from a purchaser who has confirmed the sales promotion icon to receive information on the promotion target product ;
A registration operation means for receiving an operation for registering a product to be purchased by the purchaser;
a control program for causing the product registered by the registration operation means to function as a bonus product for which a bonus can be obtained by purchasing the product together with the promotional product, and when the promotional product is registered by the registration operation means, the bonus is given to the purchaser .